Russell Local Attractions

Russell, known as Kororareka in the early 19th century, was the first permanent European settlement and seaport in New Zealand. It is situated in the Bay of Islands, in the far north of the North Island. The 2006 New Zealand census recorded a resident population of 816, an increase of 12 from 2001

Built in 1842, Pompallier Mission originally housed a printery where Church texts were translated from Latin to te reo Māori, then printed and bound. It is just one of several buildings, including a chapel and various outhouses, which once stood in this crowded enclave. Today the Printery stands as New Zealand’s oldest industrial building, as well as the oldest of rammed-earth construction, distinctly French in style and making use of local materials including sand, rock and timber.

R.Tucker Thompson’ Sailing Trips

From November until Easter experience sailing on a tall ship on the ‘R.Tucker Thompson’ through the spectacularly beautiful Bay of Islands. Many visitors have said that it has been the highlight of their holiday…and not without good reason. Choose from either a full day sailing or for those with not so much time to spare enjoy a relaxing late afternoon sail through the inner bay around the area of Paihia and Waitangi.

Christ Church

Christ Church, Russell / Te Whare Karakia o Kororareka is New Zealand’s oldest existing church and possibly the oldest building still used for its original purpose.

Its beginnings go back to the earliest years of Maori European contact in the Bay of Islands when missionaries from across the harbour at the Paihia mission station rowed across to take services in private homes.

Take a half-day Bay of Islands cruise in search of dolphins and other marine life.

This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, and for good reason!

Board your cruise in Paihia or Russell and take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over and Piercy Island/Motuk?kako, or as it is popularly known the ‘Hole in the Rock’.